Why Are Some Of Us So Uncomfortable With Rainbow Flags? — Every once in a while, I encounter people with whom I have a fair amount in common when it comes to our ideological or political vantage points. We may have a similar interest in preserving the US Constitution, as written. We might get a kick out of how much we…

One Friday morning, I woke up from a weird dream. Here are the parts I remember: In the dream, my sister and I were children again. I asked my dad to take me to a movie. Fast forward a few hours later, and my little sister had just been brought…

The Lemonade Stand Effect I recall as a kid back in New Jersey, my family seemed inspired to be patrons of small local businesses as often as was practical. When there was a new place in town — a new ice cream spot, a new mini golf course, or something…

A lesson about experiencing anger on social media — Have you ever been on Facebook or Twitter and had your mood derailed by a vicious comment on one of your posts? How did you respond? I had a dramatic experience on Facebook during just such an occurence, which ultimately demonstrated the caution and clarity that social media interaction often…

I sat on a bench listening to the little black birds above me, which flittered in massive flocks from one palm tree fiesta to the next as I looked up and watched. The first stars of the evening were beginning to freckle the dusky sky. …

Is arguing about this hat really going to fix America? — As an American expat, watching from afar, the bickering over MAGA (Make American Great Again) hats has drawn both my curiosity and concern. These red hats are basically the official merchandise of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and rallies. They have become notorious. Recently I read an article on GQ arguing…

If only love were like a superhero that would come dashing to my rescue when I’m screaming at the top of my lungs. I want to be rescued from not having a reason to live. From this blanket of meaninglessness that covers every hour I’m awake. Or, if there is…

An open letter to hypothetical parents, from your hypothetical baby — Hey guys. It’s me, that hypothetical baby you’ve been having a discussion about. So you’re wondering about whether now is a good time to have a baby? Normally hypothetical babies like me don’t get to participate in these discussions, but I’ve been feeling left out. Pardon me if it sounds…

There’s a MySpace-Music-shaped hole in my heart </3 — I just visited MySpace Music for the first time in a couple years. My, oh, MySpace, what have they done to the place? The old one wasn’t perfect, but this new layout obliterates everything that once made it kind of special. MySpace Music used to fill a particular internet niche…